Fifty-six percent of all travel now centers on cultural heritage, a trend guiding travelers toward destinations with history that’s still visible and influential today. In Waikiki, that interest meets a natural match at the Moana Surfrider, Hawaii’s first hotel, where a major update to its historic Banyan Wing brings new life to a landmark that opened in 1901.
The Moana introduced visitors to Waikiki long before it became one of the world’s most recognized beaches. Its wide verandas, original columns and sprawling banyan courtyard have shaped the guest experience for generations. The latest update blends these signature details with refreshed rooms, expanded programming and lobby retail designed to support local makers.
The updated wing reflects a balance between preservation and practical improvements. Restored details keep the hotel’s history visible, while the refreshed spaces support how guests use the property today. The result brings the building forward without losing what has long set it apart.
A Fresh Look Inside a 1901 Classic
The Banyan Wing’s renewal brings attention back to architect Oliver G. Traphagen’s original Beaux-Arts details, including tall columns and ornate molding that shaped the early design of Waikiki hospitality. The project restores these elements while introducing features that support comfort and usability.
“As we complete the Banyan Wing, we’re honoring the Moana Surfrider’s 124-year legacy while elevating comfort for today's traveler,” said Thomas Foti, biplex general manager for the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, and the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani.
Rooms keep their historic quirks. As was common in the early 1900s, floor plans vary, and each room carries its own layout and vantage point. Views include Diamond Head, the banyan courtyard or the Waikiki skyline. The interior design draws inspiration from limu, the seaweed once abundant along the local shoreline.
Artwork echoes its movement, while new flooring, updated entertainment centers and improved workspaces help modernize the experience. The combination allows the wing to maintain its character while offering the ease and function travelers expect today, satisfying the growing interest in cultural tourism.
Local Retail Finds a Home in the Lobby
The Banyan Wing Lobby now features new retail options that bring local craftsmanship into the guest experience. Lonohana Estate Chocolates opened a seasonal pop-up offering chocolate made from Hawaii-grown cacao, giving visitors a chance to explore single-origin bars and island-crafted specialties.
Nearby, artist Nick Kuchar opened his first Waikiki gallery, which showcases surf-inspired prints, apparel and lifestyle goods shaped by vintage travel and coastal culture. Both spaces strengthen the hotel’s focus on supporting local creators and sharing the stories behind their work.
New Programming That Builds on the Hotel’s Heritage
The Moana Surfrider expanded its guest programming to complement the renovation. At the Moana Lani Spa, the new Ultimate Spa Experience includes a facial, massage and coconut milk bath in an oceanfront suite. Guests can continue unwinding with a private whirlpool, charcuterie board, desserts and prosecco.
The resort also introduced The One Year Wave, a reflective letter-writing experience. Each visitor receives a postcard at check-in, writes a message to their future self and leaves it with the Front Desk for mailing one year later.
These additions join the hotel’s established offerings, including daily yoga, meditation, beach runs with the Run Concierge and twice-weekly historic tours. Guests can also take part in ocean activities led by descendants of Duke Kahanamoku and the Waikiki Beach Boys, continuing a tradition tied closely to the hotel’s past.
A Renewed Landmark Ready for What’s Ahead
The Banyan Wing update strengthens the Moana Surfrider’s place as a cornerstone of Waikiki hospitality. The refreshed rooms, new programming and local retail options honor the hotel’s legacy while creating a stay that feels current and welcoming.
More than a century after welcoming its first guests, Oahu’s Moana Surfrider remains a central presence in Waikiki. The renewed Banyan Wing adds depth to that role, giving visitors a clear view of how the neighborhood continues to evolve while holding onto the features that define it.
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